The United States on Monday continued their relentless winning march through the Fiba Under 17 World Championship in Dubai as they crushed the fighting spirit of the Philippines with a second-half lesson in fast-paced basketball.
The Filipinos pride themselves on their speed and counter-attacking to make up for what they lack in height, but they came up against a much more formidable, fitter and faster side in their 124-64 defeat.
They kept in touch with the US in the early stages of the game as the scoreboard ticked over at a healthy rate, but ran out of steam as their opponents’ dominance gradually stretched the margin of victory out to 50 points.
Josh Jackson top scored for the US with 16 points and also made the most rebounds (11) and assists (5).
That win means the US will face Japan on Tuesday – who went down 96-51 to Group B winners France – in the round of 16. The Philippines will play the French.
Canada defeated Australia 85-74 on Monday and will play Angola next, and Australia take on Greece.
In Group D, the UAE put in their best performance yet, racking up their highest score in the 110-53 defeat to group winners Puerto Rico.
Rashed Mohammed top scored for the home side with an impressive 21 points, one more than Puerto Rico’s highest scorer Edwin Ebube.
Waleed Saad made five assists for the UAE.
The host nation play Serbia in the last 16 after they defeated Argentina 60-57 Monday night to top Group D in a tight contest.
With the lead changing hands throughout the fourth quarter, the Serbs edged into a three-point lead from the free-throw line in the final minute and managed to hold on as Argentina could not find the three-pointer they needed to take the game to overtime.
Argentina face Spain on Tuesday.
msmith@thenational.ae
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